Travel Tips

Local language:

People in Phong Nha (Quang Binh province) often use their local language in daily communication. The local language in Phong Nha – Quang Binh not far diffrent to the Vietnamese National language (which is used over the country, popular and in education). The different are in alot of words and tone in speaking. So please do not suprise if what you hear are not similar to what (if) you have learned Vietnamese before. For example:

The summer start from April to end of August with warmly sunshine days, dry weather. This is the period of time for discover beaches, tropical forest, caves, … Travellers should not join the Phong Nha cave discovery tour in the rainy season from September to March, but it’s good for Thien Duong cave tour and other activities.

Months from January to February in the Spring is the period of time to discovery local Festival and national Tet holiday here.

The best method to go to Dong Hoi city, Quang Binh from the North of Vietnam is by Trains and from the South by plan (also easy by trains). Buy tickets of a night-start train and you will reach Dong Hoi rail station at the next morning. See more >

Keep in your bag:

Anti mosquito cream, insect treatment, cash, printed some popular question in Vietnamese. Also keep on your head (-_-) a hat on the summer time.

Shopping and eatting:

For reasonable prices, travellers should ask price or read menu before buying or ordering

Local speciality food are popular dishes and cheap price and are not served in big restaurants, find them in small restaurant or in the market.

Money: Preparing some Vietnamese dong (VND) already in hand when going to Phong Nha to pay in cash at all Hotels, restaurants, shops, and in the local market. Credit card can be used at major hotels. For ATM, see ATM in Phong Nha.

Medical care: There is a small medical clinic located near the entrance to Phong Nha town. There is a Pharmacy located at the front – left of the market, open from 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM, selling basic medicine for flu, headache, stomachache, iodine, …

Usefull numbers:

Phong Nha Hospital (more like a medical clinic): +84 (0)52 3677047

Phong Nha Police Station: +84 (0)52 3677009

Night life: Karaoke is a local favorite in Phong Nha town at night. There are several karaoke shops on the main road. Price about 80,000 VND (USD 4.0) per hour.

If you have any travel tips, please comment and we will post them for others!